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#1
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How likely is it for the transmission to fail without any warning signs?
Our 'main' car has 275,000miles on it, which I understand means the transmission could be coming to the end of it's 'life'. It is shifting okay (timing may be a little off) and I don't see any leaks. But, a mechanic told us that she once experienced a transmission failure without any warning signs. She started the car, drove 3 miles and pffft. That was it. I know other people (with cars other than MB's) have said that the first 'big clue' of transmission trouble is when it fails to go in to reverse. This seems more common that total failure out of the blue.
Opinions?? We do have a parts car, but we'd probably have to hire someone to change it over. And if something ain't broke, should I fix it??
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Natalie |
#2
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I agree- most transmissions will show warning signs well before they completely go. Such as slipping, or harsh shifting. Sometimes they will slip or act strange for 1000s of miles before going out. Never heard of one just work fine, then go out completely. Perhaps the linkage came loose?
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2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd 1991 Lincoln Town Car Executive 1991 Cadillac Sedan DeVille 1988 Mercedes 300SEL 1972 Chevrolet Caprice Kingswood Estate 9-passenger wagon 1973 Pontiac Grand Ville (Prior MB's: 1974 240D, 1985 380SE, 1984 190D, 1993 400SEL) |
#3
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If the tourque converter and front pump go out at the same time like on my car (which is rare) then yes it can happen. It's way cheaper to buy a used transmission($700+$75 shipping) than to buy the pump($700) and tourque converter ($200+).
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#4
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I have heard of a sudden failure scenario. The car suddenly fails to engage any forward gears, or slips really bad when trying to go forward, but reverse is just fine. This is the dreaded B2 piston failure that can occur on early 80s trannys. It can be prevented by installing the improved piston used in later models. I suspect a lot of bad trannies could have been put back in service with this $100 part.
I had shifting problems with my 84SD when I got it. When warmed up it would suddenly slip when upshifting and end up between gears. Forward motion would stop and the trans would free wheel a bit then suddenly kick in. Cleaning a clogged pressure line to the Alda, adjusting the bowden, and exercising the modulator with a Mityvac a few times and the problem went away. Jerry |
#5
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Trans Probs
How is this any different than the 'normal' operation of a MBZ automatic that's bolted onto the back of an OM? ROFLMAO!!!! Seriously, I've read elsewhere on the forum that the 'front clutch pack' is a weak link in the drive line and can fail without warning. While I can make an educated guess about it, I honestly do not know what a front clutch pack really is. The trannies in my two MBZs each have their own unique set of operational quirks. They shift completely differently from one another and shift differently when cold as opposed to hot. Marlene has fewer miles than Lilly but has a distinct (and sometimes hair-raisingly long) delay when put into reverse. Lilly, on the other hand shifts jarringly hard the first few times she goes into second gear each day. After those first few shifts though, she's smooth as silk from then on. I chalk these behaviors up to whal I call "20+ year old European car strangeness". Probably, the most important thing is to calibrate to the shifting habits of your particular vehicle and be aware of any changes that occur. Best regards, R Leo
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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm. Last edited by R Leo; 05-15-2003 at 10:33 AM. |
#6
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Someone told me that the transmission in the W123 (like my 300D) is basically a Chrysler Torqueflight. Is there any truth to that?
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#7
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Yes..
I own a '91 190E 2.3 with the 733.408 tranny.
I had an out of the blue failure with only 112k miles on it. Just like R Leo said, in my case the B2 band went out. I'm assuming that's considered part of the "front clutch pack" R Leo mentioned. I could go forward, but not reverse. The B2 Piston on slightly older model 190E's and other benzes seems to be a sudden problem too. In my case, I was hoping the b2 piston would be damaged, but it was perfect. The b2 band had worn out. So if you're wondering if you should just replace or rebuild before it leaves you stranded, I'd say definitely if you've got the money. I got stranded in the desert and had to hitchhike 200 miles. It sucked! |
#8
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Chrysler Torqueflite
Ducati.
I've heard that Mercedes Auto Tranny's were inspired by a GM tranny from an abandond half track that an Mercedes engineer was messing around with just after WWII. I have no idea if that's true or not. I would be very surprised if 123 tranny's had anything to do with Chrysler. It seems that at that point in Mercedes history the only contact with Chrysler was with the obscene Autotemp II HVAC system with which American spec Mercedes were saddled. - Peter.
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2021 Chevrolet Spark Formerly... 2000 GMC Sonoma 1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021 2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels 1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles. 1984 123 200 1979 116 280S 1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille 1971 108 280S |
#9
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Happened to me...
tranny on 240D failed right out of the blue. Shop replaced three years ago for $1500. No problems since.
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